a/n: My computer is acting wonky, so bear with me if the spellcheck did not get everything. I proof read it several times, but I sometimes still see it as it's suppose to be. LOL

The next chapter will bring several interesting facts to light and get the story going. Enjoy!

Chapter Five

Hearing Elizabeth's laughter before she even opened the door, Jason and Johnny both looked at one another before turning their attention to the door just as it opened. But it was the taunting look that she was giving a disgruntled Marco that really piqued Jason's interest. Normally the veteran guard was impassive and easy going, but today he looked ready to throttle Elizabeth. Clearing his throat to gain their attention, he knew that Elizabeth was having way too much fun for there not be a story behind the antics. "Something wrong?"

"Yeah. Her and Georgie need to be supervised," Marco answered as he gave the young woman another dark look.

"Oh, you're just pissy that we made you blush," she retorted as she handed Jason a couple of papers. "These are the ones that I want to look at. They have the most potential."

Taking the information on the houses, he laid them on the desk. "Sure. I will call Diane and have her set up the appointments." Catching her winking at Marco, who was close to snarling, Jason wondered what the two women could have done. "Care to explain what you did to Marco."

"Nothing," she answered sweetly, ignoring Marco's snort.

"Somehow I seriously doubt that from the 'oh so innocent' look on your face," Johnny murmured as he watched the two with interest. "Marco is not usually ready to go work at the warehouse, like he is over here muttering about."

Lost, Jason shook his head. He may not know, and probably didn't want to, what they had done, but he could tell that the side of Elizabeth that she normally kept hidden was out in full force. "Hmm. You do kind of look like you did the time that you talked Francis and O'Brien into helping with one of your plans. The one that you almost got them thrown into jail over because Taggart was so pissed."

Bursting into giggles, she leaned against the desk. "I had forgot about getting his car that time. Oh, I miss those days."

Now worried, he winced. "Elizabeth, you were constantly getting two of our best guards into hot water because they couldn't stand to tell you no. Please don't start that up again."

"I think that I should be with Cam and Jake," Marco piped up. Leveling a look at a still smirking Elizabeth, he shook his head again. "They won't try to embarress me and Milo with talk of..."

"Okay," she broke in, trying her best to wipe the smile off her face. "I won't involve you anymore, I promise. But your face was priceless, Marco. And I haven't seen Georgie laugh like that until today."

Grumbling, he sighed. "I know. But even Milo was ready to bolt from where he was standing hidden. I now know why Cody told me to be happy that you are pregnant so I wouldn't have to deal with you and the others on a GNO. You, Kelly, and add in Georgie, we might have to use Diane's services."

A knock on the door cut off her response. Seeing Milo enter and immediately look away from Elizabeth, Jason blew out an exasperated breath. "You are going to scare away the guards, Elizabeth. They normally ask to be assigned to you."

Unaffected, she sat on the corner of the desk. "Whatever. These two need to loosen up. It was a joke. She has a daughter. You can't honestly think that..."

"Elizabeth, please just stop!" Milo pleaded, his face blushing. "Hearing you two go on about it once was bad enough. And how she went from the seriousness of the discussion beforehand to that is just wrong. Neither Marco or I were prepared for that topic."

Losing some of her amusement, Elizabeth sat up straighter. "That is exactly why. She was depressed and upset. She needed to cheer up. So what if I helped at your expense? It worked, didn't it?"

"What happened? Is she okay?"

Darting a look at both guards that spoke volumes, she then turned to Jason. Seeing him and Johnny both looking concerned, she nodded slowly. "Yeah, she was just walking down memory lane a bit. And now I need to go so I beat the boys home. I just wanted to drop off the houses that I picked out."

Knowing that she was not going to say anything else, Jason just gave her a lost look before kissing her good bye. "Just take it easy on Marco. He still looks a tad uncomfortable. I'll be home shortly."

Milo waited until they had left before sitting in the empty chair across from Jason and groaning. "Max called from the island. He said that Sonny is starting to have episodes again. Kate is getting worried and talking about leaving."

"I was afraid that he had stopped his medicine after what Diane told us. Call Bernie and have him stop all the money that he is receiving from our accounts." Rubbing his temples, Jason wished that there was an easy solution to deal with this problem. But unlike most that cropped up, he was struggling to handle it. The respect that he had once had for his former mentor and friend was making it difficult.

"Is Elizabeth going to be able to handle testifying at the hearing?" Johnny asked while silently thinking of ways that he could help stop Sonny from sending the money to Trevor.

Scowling at the thought, he nodded. "Yeah. It's the only chance of stopping Anthony from going free. And if that fails, we will handle it our way."

"Milo," Jason stopped him as he started to stand. "What happened that both you and Marco looked ready to kill Elizabeth and Georgie? The actual story instead of dancing around it."

Shifting uneasily on his feet, Milo stared at the floor. "Umm, let's just say that they are not the pictures of sweetness that they appear to be. Somehow the topic switched from Baylor's dad, to Georgie going back to college, and then Georgie joking about becoming a lesbian. Then Elizabeth asked Marco if guys are really into that. Then it just turned into a damn mess from there." Seeing their eyes widening, he shrugged half heartedly. "But it at least got Georgie laughing so hard that she and Elizabeth both had tears streaming down their faces. If I hadn't seen it myself, I would tell anyone else that those two were not capable of intentionally making us guys uncomfortable like that."

"Oh God. I would have paid money to have seen your faces." Trying not to burst out laughing, Johnny saw that Jason looked like he was struggling to contain his reaction.

Finally chuckling, Jason crossed his arms and leaned back in his chair. "I hate to tell you this, Milo, but I think that Georgie being around is starting to bring a little of the old Lizzie back. She was feisty and always into something. Ask Francis and Max about her back then. All I can say, is be prepare to deal with their antics. Because trust me, once they figure out that they can get to you, it will be a game for them."

"Well shit!" the young guard muttered as he opened the door. "By the way, Johnny, just call Brent when you are leaving this evening. He will take over watching them tonight."

"Sure."

"No wonder you haven't mentioned dinner tonight. You somehow got yourself invited over to Georgie's." Jason lifted an eyebrow. "How did you manage that? Georgie's been blowing off invitations to her family's and friend's for the last week now."

"Same way that I got her to accept me driving her home from the ER the night Baylor was sick," he admitted with a cheeky grin. "I caught on that provoking her throws her completely off balance."

Shaking his head, Jason grabbed the papers from his desk that he needed to work on later. "Jesus, John. Why are you always looking for a challenge? There are plenty of woman that seem to drool after your ass."

"Chill. It's a simple invite to dinner. She needs a friend, Jason. She is not letting many people get close, even her family. You and Liz are about it, really. And with people constantly talking about her and what she might have been through, she feels alienated. That is something that I understand and can relate to."

"No matter how much you try, John, she isn't going to open up to you," he warned.

"That's not my purpose. If she did, yes, I would listen. But having someone around that doesn't push the issue and just lets her be, well, it can make a big difference. All I am aiming for is friendship."

"Yeah. That is all that Elizabeth and I was for years. Friends. People tend to be drawn to who they will connect to and it just continues to grows from there. Just think about that before you get too far involved with Georgie. She's been through hell, John. The kind that changes a person's personality."

Moving toward the door, he tossed his styrofoam cup in the trash. "That's the part that you just don't get. I didn't know that Georgie. So unlike the rest of you, there is no pressure to be who she was before. "

OoOoOoOoOoOo

Sitting in the back yard with Baylor squealing in joy as she splashed in the small wading pool, Georgie curled her legs under her on the blanket and relaxed. Having spent a good portion of the afternoon with Elizabeth, she was in a pretty good mood. But it was after she had left and that Baylor had woken, that Georgie had been able to forget everything that was bothering her. After cuddling with a sleepy Baylor, she had fixed a small snack of mixed fruits before they had moved outside to the sunshine.

"When are we gonnas see Irelans again? I miss Johnny and the misty rain?"

"I don't know, Pumpkin. He was working when I called the other night. I think Jason has him doing something."

Wiping water from her large eyes, Baylor giggled. "Uncle Jason said that Johnny was soft whens we stayed there."

Sliding her sunglasses up so that they rested on her head, Georgie had to admire the sweetness that her daughter could pull off while gossiping. "Bay, honey, you can't just keep repeating everything that you hear. It's not nice."

Wrinkling her forehead, she splashed the water with her small hands. "Like tellings Logan that Aunt Maxie calls him a pigs?"

Unable to hold back the smirk, Georgie covered it with a cough. "Exactly like that. Not everyone needs to know that we stayed in Ireland and that Jason and Elizabeth knew that we were there. It would hurt some people's feelings that didn't know. Okay?"

"Otays." Glancing toward the gate of the fence, Baylor gave a large smile. "Momma, companies."

Quickly whirling around, Georgie let the tension drain from her face as she stood. "Hey, Johnny. Come on in. I didn't hear you pull up."

Opening the gate while studying the woman in front of him, he had to admit that she was stunning. Wearing a simple yellow sundress that tied around her neck, leaving her shoulders bare, Georgie pulled off the carefree look well. "I parked on the street. You two look like you are enjoying the weather."

"Bay, this is a friend. His name is Johnny. Johnny, this is Baylor."

"Hiya! You's a Johnny too! I know anothers Johnny."

"Hi, Baylor. I saw you once before, but you were not feeling too good that night." Squatting beside the small pool, he watched in amusement as she tried to remember, her face screwing up as she concentrated. "You were asleep when I saw you then. You like to swim?"

"Uh huh! It's fun!"

Holding up a towel, Georgie motioned her out of the small pool. "Come on, kiddo. You can watch a movie while I finish up dinner." Turning to catch Johnny watching them with a faint smile, she gave him a timid grin of her own. "Give me a couple minutes to get her changed. Help yourself to whatever you want in the kitchen. There's pop, tea, water, beer, and wine." Wrapping the towel around Baylor, she picked her up and propped her on her hip. "I'll be right down."

"Take your time, Georgie. I'm fine." Following her into the house, he stayed in the kitchen while she carried the little girl that was smiling at him over her shoulder upstairs. The smell of the lasagna filled the room with a rich aroma that made him remember that he had not eaten all day. Opening the fridge, he grabbed a bottle of beer and leaned against the counter. Looking around the warm and inviting room, he wondered if the last family trip that Jason had taken with Liz and the kids had been to Ireland to see Georgie. He had been at the fence long enough to hear the entire conversation that Georgie had carried on, gently explaining about not repeating things. Although he had to bite back a laugh at the idea, he honestly did not think that it had as much to do with Baylor telling Logan what she had. Johnny believed it ran more along the lines of what he had just overheard.

Turning to see Georgie on the last step, he picked the beer back up and took a long drink as she entered the room. "Baylor is great, Georgie. Thanks for letting me crash your time with her."

"It's really not a big deal. She likes meeting new people." Pouring herself a glass of wine, she glanced at the clock. "The lasagna will be done in about twenty minutes. I was kind of late getting it in. Elizabeth distracted me."

His expression instantly became filled with humor. "Yeah. Marco was not a happy camper when they stopped by the office. She was still ragging on him pretty bad."

"Oh, geez. I figured that he would have more of a sense of humor than that." Giggling, she sat her wine on the table and settled into a chair. "I never pictured him as being so old fashioned."

"I don't really think that was the problem. Marco still thinks as you and Elizabeth as sweet and innocent." Seeing her frown, he wondered what that was about.

"Not quiet. Bay is sweet and innocent, along with Cam, Jake, and Emma. I'd say that all of us bypassed those traits a long time ago, including him." Grimacing as the sound of music filled the room, she reached for the I-phone laying on the table. "Give me a minute."

Still thinking over her last comment, Johnny watched as she grabbed the phone and slipped out the back door. She was a walking contradiction. One minute she was meek and mild, and the next she was completely upfront. Looking out the door as he heard her voice raise, he stopped and listened.

"No way in hell! I already told you that. You think that you can just demand that I return. Try again. If I have to, I will out everything. You have more to loose than I do."

Caught off guard, but knowing that he had to hear, Johnny remained still as she listened to whoever she was speaking to. From where he stood, he could see that her eyes were void of all emotion and her voice was calm. But it was her body language that really caught his attention. Her free hand was curled tightly around the railing on the porch, so much that her knuckles were white and he would bet that her skin would have imprints from the wood on her palm.

"Try me, you arrogant prick. You and I both know the trouble that I could bring down on you. If you approach me or my daughter, it will be a mistake that will cost you dearly. I may not want to expose everything, but I will. And when I do, you are done, you and your little buddies. You created this nightmare. I didn't ask for you to fake my death and try to control me. And I will be damned if I just fall back into line. Go to hell!"

Throwing the phone across the patio, she watched as it shattered after hitting the cement walk way. Trying regain her composure, Georgie felt his hand on her bare shoulder and winced, having forgotten that he was there. Licking her dry lips, she turned and could see that he was concerned. "I'm alright, Johnny."

Her vacant eyes told him that she was anything but fine, but he knew that pushing would only make it worse. "Well, your phone isn't. Why don't you go finish up dinner and I will clean this mess up."

Thankful that he was willing to let it be, she tucked a lock of her hair behind her ear. "I'll get it later. Don't worry about. Come on, I need another glass of wine while I finish the salad and bread. You can grab a beer and tell me about your day."

Twenty minutes later they all sat at the table, eating the meal that she had prepared. Entertained and captivated by the little girl that rambled on, Johnny gave her his full attention as they ate. Her genuine happiness and joy made him wish that he had grew up in a home like Georgie was providing for her. The open love and affection between mother and daughter was something that he had only witnessed recently, after starting to get to know Elizabeth and her boys. The only time that he witnessed any discord was when it was time for Baylor's insulin.

"NO!" The adamant denial immediately earned her a frown. Eyes lowering, she sniffed. "It hurts, Mommy."

Scooping her into her arms, Georgie kissed the top of her head. "I know that it stings, Bay. But you will get sick again if you don't take it. I'm sorry, baby. You have to take it."

Tears shimmering on her long eyelashes, Baylor stood and dropped her head. "I hates it."

Unable to watch, Johnny stood and picked the child up, holding her as she whimpered. "Tell ya what, kiddo. You let mommy give you your medicine and I will hold you while she does it."

Still sniffling, Baylor nodded with her head buried into his shoulder.

Georgie tossed him a thankful smile as she left the room. Returning just a few minutes later with a syringe, she sighed heavily. "Be prepared," she warned. "She normally cries herself to sleep after her night dose. It is a different insulin than what we use in the day. You gonna be okay with this?"

"It'll be fine, Georgie. If she falls asleep, I will carry her up. I've watched Cam and Jake a time or two, you know."

"You weren't kidding. She went out like a light." Johnny looked back at the little imp that he had held while she cried after her injection. But as predicted, within half an hour, Baylor's sobs had eventually became whimpers as she drifted off to sleep, clutching his shirt with her tiny fingers.

Pulling her door almost shut, Georgie gave a faint nod. "It still breaks my heart even though this is an every night ritual." When they entered the kitchen, she sighed and grabbed another glass of wine before turning to see him leaning against the counter across from her. "You really are good with her, Johnny. I honestly expected you to be more uncomfortable with Bay."

"She makes it easy." Accepting the beer that she handed him, he caught her wrist. "Let's sit on the porch for awhile. You need to relax too. You've been moving nonstop except for while we ate."

"Um, sure." Letting him lead her to the back patio, she settled onto the swing as he sat beside her, leaving enough room between them so that she was comfortable. "Tell me how you changed so much over the past three years, Johnny. You aren't the same cocky, arrogant man that thought the world was his enemy."

Unleashing the exact grin that she remembered from before, he ran a hand through his hair. "You of all people know how times and circumstances change people, Georgie. I never did fit into my family, but I tended to ignore whatever my father was plotting. It was easier to just go with the flow. But one night I heard him order the men to go after Elizabeth, Cam, and Jake. Sonny had spilled that Jason was Jake's father when pressured," he sneered with disdain. "Anthony of course took full advantage, or would have. I didn't know if Jason would believe me, but I had to take the chance. Fortunately, he heeded my warning, although I could see that he was leery. After that, he helped me merge the Zacchara holdings with his after Anthony was taken care of. It's been a big relief not to have to be in complete charge."

Turning so that she could watch him, she gently set the swing into motion with her feet. "Do you regret being brought up in the life? I'm sure that it was not safe."

Wondering about the content of the conversation, he decided that she wanted to know for a reason, so he shook his head. "The most danger was from my father. He was, is, unstable. The outside danger is minimal. Claudia and I had guards." Seeing her doubt, he rearranged his body so that they were almost face to face on the wooden swing. "Really, Georgie. As you have seen for yourself, most in this business take precautions with their families. Morgan does everything to keep Liz and the boys safe. He also is provides security on the others that he has been close to throughout the years. Any certain reason why you are asking?"

Draining the last of her wine, she looked away from his intense eyes. "It just seems like a hard way to grow up."

"Only if the parents make it that way. Do Cam and Jake seem like they are suffering any?"

"No. They are extremely well adjusted." Letting her head fall back, she stared at the stars.

The hair on the back of his neck stood on end as it clicked. Her questions along with the call that had set her off earlier. Hesitant to ask and ruin the night, he was unable to let it go. "Georgie, why the interest? Is Baylor's father connected to the business? Is he threatening you?"

Surprised, she jerked her head around and saw the concern in his dark eyes. "I hate questions, John. But you answered mine, so I will answer some of yours. Baylor's father is dead, as is his family. But yes, they were connected, and very much so. Their name carried a lot more clout than most realized. Given the right circles, it still does. I was just curious, that's all."

Touching her hand, he shook his head. He knew it was unfair, but the wine had made her loosen up and he intended to get some answers, at least enough to help determine if she and Baylor were being threatened. The call from earlier worried him. "So who is bothering you then, Georgie?"

"Everybody," she whispered. "Everyone who should have cared and made sure that nothing like what I lived through happened. But it's always the ones that you depend on that let you fall. I learned that lesson, hard."

Hearing the pain, Johnny sighed. He knew that if he pushed in her slightly intoxicated state, that Georgie would talk. But he did not want to ruin the friendship that was already starting to develop by breaking an unspoken trust. Deciding to talk to Elizabeth, he figured that she would be better at this than him anyway. "Georgie, sweetie, it's gonna be fine. Neither Jason or myself will let anyone hurt you or Baylor."

Her soul searching eyes filled with tears but she quickly blinked them back. "That's just it, Johnny. No one, not even you two, have any idea of the problems that are close to exploding if everything becomes public. Hell, you both will probably hate me before it is all said and done."

Jerking back at that, he quickly reached for her. Grasping her arms lightly, he watched as she stared at him without blinking. The darkness in her eyes and the intensity of her words bothered him. She really believed that the damage could be that bad. "Georgie..."

"I appreciate that you are trying to be a friend, Johnny. Besides Liz and Jason, you are the only person in Port Charles that has tried to get to know this me, not the one from before. Unfortunately, I am ultimately responsible for the shit that is about to happen, well Bay is actually. For Elizabeth's sake, I am willing to tell you guys what I think that you need to know. Call Jason and Liz. They need to be here for this too." Standing and leaving him speechless, Georgie walked back into the house to refill her wine. She would need it to get through the explanations that were to come. Slowly making her way to the safe as she heard him on the phone, she punched in the combination and pulled out three thick files and carried them back into the kitchen and tossed them on the table with careless abandonment. She watched silently as Johnny entered and reached for the papers that had slid off the surface. It was when his body stiffened and his widened eyes raised to meet hers, that Georgie knew he was holding Baylor's original birth certificate.